'That's some ruffian come up for a drink,' said Torpenhow; and he raised his voice cheerily.

There entered no one more ruffianly than a portly middle-aged gentleman in a satin-faced frockcoat.

His lips were parted and pale, and there were deep pouches under the eyes.
'Weak heart,' said Dick to himself, and, as he shook hands, 'very weak heart.

His pulse is shaking his fingers.' The man introduced himself as the head of the Central Southern Syndicate and 'one of the most ardent admirers of your work, Mr.
Heldar.

I assure you, in the name of the syndicate, that we are immensely indebted to you; and I trust, Mr.Heldar, you won't forget that we were largely instrumental in bringing you before the public.' He panted because of the seven flights of stairs.
Dick glanced at Torpenhow, whose left eyelid lay for a moment dead on his cheek.
'I shan't forget,' said Dick, every instinct of defence roused in him.
'You've paid me so well that I couldn't, you know.